Wildlife habitat

ABSTRACT

An apparatus includes a pole and a bottom surface. The pole has a sidewall with an inner surface that defines a hollow raceway. The sidewall defines a first opening. The first opening extends through the sidewall and communicates with the hollow raceway of the pole. The bottom surface is positioned inside the hollow raceway of the pole proximate the first opening. A method for constructing a wildlife habitat includes forming at least a first opening in a sidewall of a pole. The sidewall has an inner surface that defines a hollow raceway. The first opening communicates with the hollow raceway. A bottom surface is provided inside the hollow raceway of the pole proximate the first opening.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates generally to the construction of wildlifehabitats, and, more particularly, to constructing wildlife habitats ofvarious sizes and shapes inside of poles and towers utilized for utilityand non-utility functions.

2. Description of the Related Art

Poles and towers of different shapes and sizes are commonly used in avariety of applications to suspend various pieces of equipment and othercomponents above ground. For example, poles and towers are currentlyused for supporting communication equipment, high area lighting, and inutility applications, such as power transmission and distribution.Utility applications require an enormous volume of poles to supporttransmission and distribution power lines. Today, a significant numberof utility transmission and distribution power line systems utilize woodpole construction. In addition, a large amount of the high arealighting, such as sporting event lighting, highway lighting, andornamental lighting, utilize wood pole construction.

For various reasons, many utility and non-utility poles and towersdeteriorate prematurely. One substantial cause of pole and towerdeterioration is wildlife animals, such as woodpeckers. Often,woodpeckers and other wildlife animals make their homes in large holesthat they have burrowed inside of a pole or tower, such as a woodutility pole, which may result in the pole or tower suffering fromreduced reliability or rapid deterioration. In addition, the problem maybe exacerbated when wood poles, such as power transmission anddistribution poles, are erected in rural areas having a large wildlifepopulation.

One method currently used to increase the reliability of applicationsusing poles and towers and to prevent pole destruction by wildlifeanimals is to replace old poles and towers with new poles and towersmade of stronger more durable materials such as, steel, fiberglass,concrete, and composite or aggregate material. Concrete poles taperedand shaped similarly to conventional wood poles may be used to replacefailing wood poles in existing systems, such as power transmission anddistribution. Typically, the concrete poles are made with a hollowcenter, which reduces the weight and cost of the pole.

Concrete poles are extremely durable and are typically capable ofrepelling any undesirable activity from wildlife animals. Unfortunately,wildlife animals are usually not easily discouraged from making theirhomes in poles and towers. For instance, most wildlife animals, such asbirds, reptiles, mammals, etc., living inside wood poles that arereplaced with concrete poles move to the next nearest wood pole andreestablish their home. The process of wildlife animals making theirhome in the next available wood pole is generally a repeated cycleregardless of the number of wood poles that are replaced with concretepoles in a given area.

The present invention is directed to overcoming, or at least reducingthe effects of, one or more of the problems set forth above.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One aspect of the present invention is an apparatus including a pole.The pole has a sidewall with an inner surface that defines a hollowraceway. The sidewall defines a first opening. The first opening extendsthrough the sidewall and communicates with the hollow raceway of thepole. The bottom surface is positioned inside the hollow raceway of thepole proximate the first opening.

Another aspect of the present invention is seen in a method forconstructing a wild life habitat. The method includes forming at least afirst opening in a sidewall of a pole. The sidewall has an inner surfacethat defines a hollow raceway. The first opening communicates with thehollow raceway. A bottom surface is provided inside the hollow racewayof the pole proximate the first opening.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention may be best understood by reference to the followingdescription taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, inwhich like reference numerals identify like elements, and in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates an electric utility pole comprising one embodiment ofa wildlife habitat in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an illustrative specific embodiment of the utility pole andwildlife habitat shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a top view of the utility pole and wildlife habitat shown inFIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the utility pole and wildlifehabitat shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a top view of an illustrative specific embodiment of theutility pole and wildlife habitat shown in FIG. 2 in accordance with thepresent invention; and

FIG. 6 is another illustrative specific embodiment of the utility poleand wildlife habitat shown in FIG. 1 in accordance with the presentinvention.

While the invention is susceptible to various modifications andalternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by wayof example in the drawings and are herein described in detail. It shouldbe understood, however, that the description herein of specificembodiments is not intended to limit the invention to the particularforms disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover allmodifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spiritand scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS

Illustrative embodiments of the invention are described below. In theinterest of clarity, not all features of an actual implementation aredescribed in this specification. It will of course be appreciated thatin the development of any such actual embodiment, numerousimplementation-specific decisions must be made to achieve thedevelopers' specific goals, such as compliance with system-related andbusiness-related constraints, which will vary from one implementation toanother. Moreover, it will be appreciated that such a development effortmight be complex and time-consuming, but would nevertheless be a routineundertaking for those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit ofthis disclosure.

FIG. 1 illustrates a utility pole 10 employing one illustrativeembodiment of a wildlife habitat 12 in accordance with the presentinvention. The utility pole 10 may be constructed from a variety ofmaterials, such as wood, steel, fiberglass, or any other rigid material.In one embodiment, the utility pole 10 is constructed from centrifugallycast (spun) concrete. It is contemplated that the pole 10 may be cast ina variety of shapes and lengths. For example, the pole 10 may have across-section that is square, rectangular, circular, etc. In oneembodiment, the pole 10 is circular in cross-section and is tapered withthe top of the pole 10 more narrow than its base.

It is contemplated that the wildlife habitat 12 may be constructedinside a variety of poles and that the poles may be used in a variety ofapplications. For example, the poles 10 may be used to supportcommunication equipment, high area lighting, or any other applicationrequiring the elevation of equipment or components.

The wildlife habitat 12 may be located anywhere along the pole 10. Inaddition, the pole 10 may comprise a plurality of wildlife habitats 12that may be positioned in a plurality of locations along the pole 10. Itis contemplated that the number of wildlife habitats 12 per pole 10 mayvary depending upon the application. In addition, the pole 10 may beerected on land or in water, such as a lake or pond. Furthermore, aportion of the pole 10 may be positioned above the waterline and aportion of the pole 10 may be positioned below the waterline. It iscontemplated that the wildlife habitat 12 may be positioned above thewaterline, below the waterline, or the pole 10 may comprise severalwildlife habitats 12 positioned above or below the waterline. In oneembodiment, the pole 10 comprises one wildlife habitat 12 positionednear the top of the pole 10, and the wildlife habitat 12 may accommodatea variety of warm-blooded and cold-blooded animals, such as birds,reptiles, and mammals.

Referring to FIG. 2, a section of the pole 10 is provided with anillustrative specific embodiment of the wildlife habitat 12. The pole 10has a concrete sidewall 13 that is comprised of an inner and outersurface 14, 16 and a hollow raceway 18 that is defined by the innersurface 14. Between the inner and outer surfaces 14, 16, steel strands20 run the length of the pole 10. The steel strands 20 are embedded inconcrete and provide mechanical support for the pole 10. Those skilledin the art will appreciate that the diameter of the steel strands 20 mayvary depending upon the application. In one embodiment, the diameter ofthe steel strands 20 is between ⅜ and {fraction (9/16)} inches and thesteel strands 20 are interwoven with spiral steel wire (not shown).Furthermore, the spiral steel wire (not shown) is also embedded in theconcrete between the inner and outer surfaces 14, 16. In one embodiment,the spiral steel wire (not shown) has a diameter between {fraction(5/32)} and {fraction (3/16)} inches.

In one embodiment, the wild life habitat 12 comprises a first opening22, a bottom surface 24, and a top surface 26. Because the pole 10 isformed with the hollow raceway 18, the first opening 22 communicateswith a cavity 28 that is formed between the inner surface 14, the bottomsurface 24, and the top surface 26. It is contemplated that additionalopenings may be constructed in the pole 10 to provide wildlife animalsadditional access to the wildlife habitat 12. In addition, a perch 29may be positioned proximate the first opening 22. In one embodiment, theperch 29 is positioned below the first opening 22, as shown in FIG. 2.

The perch 29 may be comprised of a variety of materials and implementedin a variety of shapes, and the particular shape and materials selectedmay vary depending upon the application. For example, the perch 29 maybe comprised of metal, wood, plastic, or any other material suitable forsupporting a wildlife animal, such as a bird, and the perch 29 may becylindrical, rectangular, flat, or any other shape. In addition, thedimensions of the perch 29, such as the distance the perch 29 extendsout away from the outer surface 16 of the pole 10, may vary dependingupon the application. Furthermore, the perch 29 may be attached to thepole 10 using a variety of methods, and the particular method selectedmay vary depending upon the application.

In one embodiment, the perch 29 may be tapered along its length andcomprised of plastic. An opening (not shown) may be drilled or formed inthe pole 10 at the desired location of the perch 29, and the perch 29may be friction fit into the opening, as shown in FIG. 2. Alternatively,it is contemplated that the perch 29 may be attached to the firstopening 22 using clamps, adhesive, or any other means suitable forsecurely attaching the perch 29.

The first opening 22 may be constructed in a variety of ways and in avariety of shapes. In one embodiment, the first opening 22 is circularand is field drilled using a rotor hammer drill with a carbide-tippedbit. Alternatively, the first opening 22 may be pre-drilled before thepole 10 leaves the manufacturing facility. It is contemplated that thediameter of the first opening 22 may be varied depending on theapplication. For example, the diameter of the first opening 22 may beselected to accommodate a certain type of wildlife animal, such as awoodpecker. In addition, the diameter of the first opening 22 may beselected in a manner that prevents certain types of wildlife animalsfrom entering the wildlife habitat 12 while still permitting access toother wildlife animals. For example, the diameter of the first opening22 may be selected to prevent squirrels from entering and disturbing awoodpecker's nest.

In one embodiment, the first opening 22 may be formed whilemanufacturing the pole 10. It is contemplated that a mold filler (notshown) with a length at least as great as the distance between the innerand outer surfaces 14, 16 may be placed in the forms used to cast theconcrete poles 10. The mold filler (not shown) establishes the locationand shape of the first opening 22 by preventing concrete from gatheringin the location of the mold filler during the formation of the pole 10.Once the pole 10 is formed, the mold filler (not shown) may be removedand the first opening 22 is revealed. In this manner, the first opening22 for the wildlife habitat 12 may be formed without drilling into thepole 10.

The bottom surface 24 of the wildlife habitat 12 is shown, in FIG. 2,below the first opening 22. It is contemplated that the bottom surface24 may be positioned any distance below the first opening 22 and thatthe location of the bottom surface 24 may vary depending upon theapplication. Furthermore, the bottom surface 24 may be comprised of avariety of materials, such as polystyrene (e.g., Styrofoam®) produced byThe Dow Chemical Company), rubber, plastic, wood, concrete or any othermaterial suitable for providing a surface for housing wildlife animals.

In one embodiment, the bottom surface 24 is comprised of expandablefoam. Typically, expandable foam expands rapidly when exposed to thenatural environment, and it is typically used to fill small crevices andprovide insulation. It is contemplated that expandable foam may beapplied through the first opening 22 of the wildlife habitat 12. Onemethod used to apply the expandable foam is with an aerosol can. Theaerosol can may be filled with expandable foam and have a tube attachedto the nozzle of the can for dispensing the expandable foam. Because thefoam expands rapidly, the expandable foam may attach itself during theapplication process to the inner surface 14 of the pole 10. Onceattached to the inner surface 14 of the pole 10, the expandable foamcreates a substantially planar bottom surface 24.

Because the pole is tapered, the hollow raceway 18 may be too wide inportions of the pole 10 for the expandable foam to attach itself to theinner surface 14 of the pole 10 using the application method presentedabove. To alleviate this problem, it is contemplated that a secondopening 30 may be constructed in the pole 10 below the desired locationof the bottom surface 24. The second opening 30 may be used to insert asupport member in the pole 10 to provide temporary or permanent supportfor the bottom surface 24. In one embodiment, the support member is adeflated balloon (not shown) that may be inserted through the secondopening 30. Once inserted through the second opening 30, the balloon(not shown) may be inflated. The inflated balloon (not shown) mayprovide temporary support so that the expandable foam may span thehollow raceway 18 and attach itself to the inner surface 14 of the pole10. Again, once attached to the inner surface 14 of the pole 10, theexpandable foam solidifies into a substantially planar bottom surface24.

The top surface 26 of the wildlife habitat 12 is shown, in FIG. 2, abovethe first opening 22. It is contemplated that in one embodiment the topsurface 26 may be eliminated. For example, in one embodiment the wildlife habitat may be comprised of the inner surface 14 of the pole 10,the bottom surface 24, and the first opening 22.

The top surface 26 may be comprised of a variety of materials, such aspolystyrene (e.g., Styrofoam® produced by The Dow Chemical Company),concrete, rubber, plastic, wood, or any other material suitable forwildlife animals, and because the pole 10 is tapered, the top surface 26may have a diameter that is less than the diameter of the bottom surface24. In one embodiment, the top surface 26 is comprised of expandablefoam. It is contemplated that the expandable foam used to form the topsurface 26 may be applied in a similar manner as was discussed for thebottom surface 24. In one embodiment, the expandable foam is appliedthrough the top of the pole 10. Alternatively, although not shown, it iscontemplated that openings similar to the second opening 30 may beconstructed in the pole 10 above the first opening 22 to aid in theformation of the top surface 26. Furthermore, in a similar manner as wasdiscussed for the bottom surface 24, a support member may be insertedthrough the sidewall 13 of the pole 10 proximate the top surface 26providing temporary or permanent support for the top surface 26.

It is contemplated that once the bottom and top surfaces 24, 26 arepositioned or constructed, any openings in the pole 10 besides the firstopening 22, such as the second opening 30, may be plugged or filled. Forexample, the second opening 30 may be plugged with a variety ofmaterials, such as wood, rubber, concrete, steel, and other likematerials. In one embodiment, the second opening 30 is filled withmortar, and the mortar is applied in a manner that is substantiallylevel and coplanar with the outer surface 16 of the pole 10.

In one embodiment, the bottom and top surfaces 24, 26 may be insertedinto position through either the top or base of the pole 10. Because thepole 10 is tapered, the bottom and top surfaces 24, 26 may be wedgedinto place from the bottom 16 of the pole 10. For example, in oneembodiment, the top surface 26 may be inserted and wedged into placeprior to inserting the bottom surface 24 into the pole 10. Byconstructing the top surface 26 with a diameter less than the bottomsurface 24, the top surface 26 may be wedged securely above the firstopening 22 while the bottom surface 24 having a larger diameter iswedged securely below the first opening 22.

It is contemplated that a variety of methods may be used to securelywedge the bottom and top surfaces 24, 26 into position inside the pole10. In one embodiment, long rods may be used to wedge the bottom and topsurfaces 24, 26 into proper position. In addition, the rods may be usedto guide the bottom and top surfaces 24, 26 through the hollow raceway18 of the pole 10. Once the bottom and top surfaces 24, 26 have beenpositioned inside the pole 10, the rods may be retracted and removedfrom inside the hollow raceway 18. Furthermore, adhesive may be used toprovide additional support for the bottom and top surfaces 24, 26. Forexample, adhesive may be applied to the portions of the bottom and topsurfaces 24, 26 that contact the inner surface 14 of the pole 10.

In one embodiment, the bottom and top surfaces 24, 26 may be constructedwhile manufacturing the pole 10. It is contemplated that the bottom andtop surfaces 24, 26 may be placed inside the pole 10 prior to formingthe concrete inner and outer surfaces 14, 16. For example, in oneembodiment, the bottom and top surfaces 24, 26 may be wedged between orattached to the steel strands 20 or spiral steel (not shown) prior tocasting the pole 10 in concrete. In addition, the first opening 22 mayalso be formed while manufacturing the pole by placing mold fillers inthe forms used to cast the pole 10 in concrete as was described above.

FIG. 3 illustrates a cross-sectional top view of the wildlife habitat 12and the pole 10 shown in FIG. 2. In one embodiment, the first opening 22is positioned between the steel strands 20 that run the length of thepole 10. By positioning the first opening 22 between the steel strands20, the wildlife habitat 12 may be constructed without substantiallyreducing the strength of the pole 10. In addition, the spiral wire (notshown) that is embedded between the inner and outer surfaces 14, 16 maybe severed while constructing the first opening 22 without substantiallyreducing the strength of the pole 10. In one embodiment, multipleopenings may be constructed between the steel strands 20 to provideadditional access to the wildlife habitat 12. The bottom surface 24 isshown with its outer edge contacting the inner surface 14 of the pole10. It is contemplated that the bottom surface 24 may be constructed ina manner that does not completely span the hollow raceway 18 of the pole10 (i.e., the bottom surface 24 does not completely contact the innersurface 14 of the pole 10.) Again, the wildlife habitat 12 may beconstructed with or without the top surface 26.

FIG. 4 illustrates a cross-sectional side view of the pole 10 andwildlife habitat 12 shown in FIG. 2. The wildlife habitat 12 is boundedby the bottom, top and inner surfaces 24, 26, and 14. The bottom and topsurfaces 24, 26 are shown to completely span hollow raceway 18 of thepole 10. It is contemplated that the bottom and top surfaces 24, 26 maybe constructed in a manner that does not completely span the hollowraceway 18 of the pole 10 (ie., the bottom and top surfaces 24, 26 donot completely contact the inner surface 14 of the pole 10.) Again, thesteel strands 20 are shown to run the length of the pole 10, and in oneembodiment, the openings made in the pole 10, such as the first opening22, are constructed in a manner that does not disturb the steel strands20.

FIG. 5 shows a top view of one illustrative embodiment of the wildlifehabitat 12 shown in FIG. 2. It is contemplated that a variety of supportmembers may support the bottom surface 24 and top surface 26 inside thehollow raceway 18 of the pole 10. In one embodiment, bolts 32 maysupport the bottom surface 24 of the wildlife habitat 12. Those skilledin the art will appreciate that a variety of bolts 32 may be used tosupport the bottom surface 24 of the wildlife habitat 12, such as togglebolts, U bolts, etc. In addition, the bolts 32 may be comprised of avariety of materials, such as steel, plastic, aluminum, stainless steel,etc. In one embodiment, conventional steel bolts 32 pass completelythough the pole 10 and are secured by conventional nuts 34. The bottomsurface 24 may be positioned to rest on top of the bolts 32.Alternatively, the bolts 32 may provide support by penetrating thebottom surface 24. In a similar manner, bolts 32 may also be used tosupport the top surface 26 of the wildlife habitat 12.

Openings 33 in the pole 10 for the bolts 32 may be field drilled using arotor hammer drill with a carbide-tipped bit. In addition, the openings33 for the bolts 32 may be pre-drilled before the pole 10 leaves themanufacturing facility. Alternatively, it is contemplated that theopenings for the bolts 32 may be formed by placing mold fillers in theforms used to cast the pole 10 in concrete, as was described previouslyfor the first opening 22. As shown in FIG. 5, the location of the bolts32 may be determined in a manner that does not disturb the steel strands20.

In one embodiment, wire (not shown), such as safety wire or any otherrigid wire, may be inserted into the pole 10 through the openings 33.The wire may enter and exit the pole 10 through the openings 33 in asimilar manner as shown for the bolts 32. Once inserted, the wire may besecured to support the bottom surface 24 of the wildlife habitat 12. Forexample, the ends of the wire may be twisted together.

FIG. 6 shows a section 36 of a pole that has been inserted through thetop or bottom opening of the pole 10. It is contemplated that thesection 36 may be comprised of a variety of materials. In oneembodiment, the section 36 is comprised of wood and is a portion of apole that has been damaged by a wildlife animal. For example, ratherthan discarding the entire pole, a section 36 of the damaged pole, inwhich an animal has made its home, may be inserted through the hollowraceway 18 of the new pole 10 and used as a wildlife habitat 12.

It is contemplated that the section 36 may have various lengths anddiameters. Because the pole 10 is tapered, the diameter of the section36 may limit it to a specific location in the hollow raceway 18 of thepole 10. Alternatively, the section 36 may be modified to fit aparticular location in the hollow raceway 18 of the pole 10.Furthermore, the section 36 may be positioned and supported in thehollow raceway 18 using any of the methods discussed previously. Forexample, the section 36 may be supported by bolts, adhesive, friction,etc. In addition, multiple sections 36 may be used in a single pole 10and the number of sections 36 per pole 10 may vary depending upon theapplication.

Once the section 36 is positioned in the pole 10, the first opening 22may be drilled in the pole 10 to provide wildlife animals access to thesection 36. In addition, the first opening 22 may be pre-drilled orformed with mold fillers while manufacturing the pole 10. If the firstopening 22 is formed prior to inserting the section 36, the section 36may be inserted inside the pole 10 and aligned with the first opening22.

The particular embodiments disclosed above are illustrative only, as theinvention may be modified and practiced in different but equivalentmanners apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of theteachings herein. Furthermore, no limitations are intended to thedetails of construction or design herein shown, other than as describedin the claims below. It is therefore evident that the particularembodiments disclosed above may be altered or modified and all suchvariations are considered within the scope and spirit of the invention.Accordingly, the protection sought herein is as set forth in the claimsbelow.

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus, comprising: a utility pole forsupporting at least one of electrical power delivery equipment, arealighting equipment, and communication equipment, the utility pole havinga sidewall with an inner surface that defines a hollow raceway, thesidewall defining a first opening, the first opening extending throughthe sidewall and communicating with the hollow raceway of the utilitypole; and a bottom surface positioned inside the hollow raceway of theutility pole proximate the first opening.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1,further comprising a top surface positioned inside the hollow racewayabove the first opening in the utility pole.
 3. The apparatus of claim2, wherein the top surface comprises at least one of concrete, rubber,wood, polystyrene, plastic, metal, and expandable foam.
 4. The apparatusof claim 1, wherein the utility pole is substantially formed of concreteand is substantially circular in cross-section.
 5. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the hollow raceway is tapered along its length, and thebottom surface is constructed with internal dimensions slightly largerthan the internal dimensions of at least a portion of the hollowraceway, and the bottom surface is wedged inside the hollow racewayagainst the inner surface of the utility pole.
 6. The apparatus of claim1, further comprising a support member adapted to support the bottomsurface inside the hollow raceway of the utility pole.
 7. The apparatusof claim 1, further comprising means for supporting the bottom surfaceinside the hollow raceway of the utility pole.
 8. The apparatus of claim1, further comprising at least one bolt supporting the bottom surface,wherein at least a portion of the bolt is inserted into the hollowraceway through at least a second opening in the utility pole.
 9. Theapparatus of claim 1, wherein a first and second bolt are insertedthrough at least a second and third opening in the utility pole with atleast a portion of the first and second bolts positioned inside thehollow raceway, the first and second portions being of a lengthsufficient that the first bolt overlaps the second bolt.
 10. Theapparatus of claim 1, further comprising a perch positioned proximatethe first opening.
 11. An apparatus comprising: a pole having a sidewallwith an inner surface that defines a hollow raceway, the sidewalldefining a first opening, the first opening extending through thesidewall and communicating with the hollow raceway of the pole; and abottom surface positioned inside the hollow raceway of the poleproximate the first opening; a balloon supporting the bottom surface,wherein the balloon is inserted into the pole through a second openingand inflated filling at least a portion of the hollow raceway.
 12. Theapparatus of claim 1, further comprising adhesive applied between atleast a portion of the inner surface of the utility pole and at least aportion of an outer edge of the bottom surface.
 13. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the bottom surface comprises at least one of concrete,rubber, wood, polystyrene, plastic, metal, and expandable foam.
 14. Anapparatus, comprising: a pole having a sidewall with an inner surfacethat defines a hollow raceway, the sidewall defining a first opening,the first opening extending through the sidewall and communicating withthe hollow raceway of the pole; and a bottom surface positioned insidethe hollow raceway of the pole proximate the first opening, wherein thebottom surface is a section of wood having a length less than the lengthof the pole, and the section of wood extends above and below the firstopening.
 15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the section of wood isconstructed from at least a portion of a wood pole.
 16. A wildlifehabitat, comprising: a utility pole for supporting at least one ofelectrical power delivery equipment, area lighting equipment, andcommunication equipment the utility pole having a sidewall with an innersurface that defines a hollow raceway and a first opening extendingthrough the sidewall in communication with the hollow raceway of theutility pole; a bottom surface positioned inside the hollow raceway ofthe utility pole proximate the first opening; and a support memberadapted to support the bottom surface inside the hollow raceway of theutility pole.
 17. The wildlife habitat of claim 16, wherein the bottomsurface comprises at least one of concrete, rubber, wood, polystyrene,plastic, metal, and expandable foam.
 18. The apparatus of claim 16,further comprising a perch positioned proximate the first opening.
 19. Awildlife habitat, comprising: a pole having a sidewall with an innersurface that defines a hollow raceway and a first opening extendingthrough the sidewall in communication with the hollow raceway of thepole; a bottom surface positioned inside the hollow raceway of the poleproximate the first opening, wherein the bottom surface is a section ofwood having a length less than the length of the pole, and the sectionof wood extends above and below the first opening; and a support memberadapted to support the bottom surface inside the hollow raceway of thepole.
 20. A method for constructing a wildlife habitat, comprising:forming at least a first opening in a sidewall of a utility pole forsupporting at least one of electrical power delivery equipment, arealighting equipment, and communication equipment, the utility pole havingan inner surface that defines a hollow raceway, wherein the firstopening communicates with the hollow raceway; and providing a bottomsurface inside the hollow raceway of the utility pole proximate thefirst opening.
 21. The method of claim 20, further comprising providinga top surface inside the hollow raceway above the first opening in theutility pole.
 22. The method of claim 20, wherein forming the firstopening in the utility pole comprises drilling the first opening. 23.The method of claim 20, wherein forming the first opening comprisesforming the first opening with a mold filler.
 24. The method of claim20, wherein providing the bottom surface comprises providing the bottomsurface constructed of at least one of concrete, rubber, wood,polystyrene, plastic, metal, and expandable foam.
 25. The method ofclaim 20, wherein providing the bottom surface comprises injectingexpandable foam inside the hollow raceway through the first opening inthe utility pole with the expandable foam contacting at least a portionof the inner surface of the pole.
 26. The method of claim 20, whereinproviding the bottom surface comprises inserting at least one bolt intothe hollow raceway through at least a second opening in the utility poleto support the bottom surface.
 27. The method of claim 20, whereinproviding the bottom surface comprises inserting a first and second boltthrough at least a second and third opening in the utility pole with atleast a portion of the first and second bolts positioned inside thehollow raceway, the first and second portions being of a lengthsufficient that the first bolt overlaps the second bolt.
 28. The methodof claim 20, wherein the utility pole is tapered along its length, andthe bottom surface is provided with internal dimensions that areslightly larger than the internal dimensions of at least a portion ofthe hollow raceway, and wherein providing the bottom surface compriseswedging the bottom surface inside the hollow raceway against the innersurface of the utility pole.
 29. The method of claim 20, whereinproviding the bottom surface comprises applying an adhesive between atleast a portion of the inner surface of the utility pole and a portionof an outer edge of the bottom surface.
 30. The method of claim 20,wherein providing the bottom surface comprises inserting the bottomsurface through a first end of the utility pole and guiding the bottomsurface through the hollow raceway.
 31. The method of claim 20, furthercomprising positioning a perch proximate the first opening.
 32. A methodfor constructing a wildlife habitat, comprising: forming at least afirst opening in a sidewall of a pole with an inner surface that definesa hollow raceway, wherein the first opening communicates with the hollowraceway; and providing a bottom surface inside the hollow raceway of thepole proximate the first opening, wherein providing the bottom surfacecomprises supporting the bottom surface with a balloon that is insertedthrough a second opening in the pole and inflated to fill at least aportion of the hollow raceway.
 33. A method for constructing a wildlifehabitat, comprising: forming at least a first opening in a sidewall of apole with an inner surface that defines a hollow raceway, wherein thefirst opening communicates with the hollow raceway; and providing abottom surface inside the hollow raceway of the pole proximate the firstopening, wherein providing the bottom surface comprises inserting a woodsection having a length less than the length of the pole into the hollowraceway extending above and below the first opening.